-
-
-
Loading
Loading
Hamas's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, has confirmed that the group is considering a new proposal to halt the fighting in the Gaza Strip. The framework for the truce was put forward by Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar and suggests a six-week ceasefire during which more Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Haniyeh emphasized that Hamas's main objectives were a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected these demands. Netanyahu stated that the war would only end with "total victory," meaning the elimination of Hamas and the release of all hostages. The conflict began when Hamas gunmen launched an attack on southern Israel in October, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages being taken. Since then, more than 26,700 people have been killed in Gaza. Discussions have taken place in Paris involving officials from Qatar, the US, Egypt, Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, and Shin Bet internal security agency. They agreed on a framework for a second pause in the fighting, which would involve Hamas releasing elderly, women, and child hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the proposal as "strong and compelling," while Israel's prime minister's office described the talks as "constructive" but acknowledged the existence of significant gaps. Haniyeh announced that Hamas had received an invitation to discuss the framework in Cairo, with the condition that the priority should be to stop the aggression and withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas is open to discussing new initiatives as long as they lead to a comprehensive halt to the aggression, rebuilding Gaza, lifting the blockade, and ensuring the release of Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to dismantle the government if they reached a reckless deal with Hamas. Netanyahu reiterated his stance of not ending the war until all goals were achieved, which includes eliminating Hamas, returning hostages, and ensuring Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel. Fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters continued in Gaza, particularly in the city of Khan Younis. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that Israeli tanks were firing live ammunition and smoke grenades at displaced individuals and medical staff in Al-Amal Hospital. Fires also broke out in tents at the PRCS Headquarters. There were reports of intense fighting and bombing near Nasser Hospital, the largest functioning medical facility in Gaza. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) highlighted the lack of supplies to treat hundreds of patients at the hospital. The IDF believes that Hamas commanders are hiding in tunnels beneath Khan Younis, possibly along with hostages. They claim to have eliminated thousands of terrorists and discovered hostage holding facilities and command centers. The IDF confirmed that they pumped water into Hamas's tunnels in Gaza but assured that they took precautions to avoid damaging the area's groundwater.